Fence Installation FAQS

Does fencing increase my property value?

Adding a fence to your property has numerous benefits. Any improvement in the appearance, security, privacy, and safety of your property can increase its overall value.

How long will a fence last?

A well built and properly maintained fence can last over 15 years.

Will I need a survey?

It is always wise to examine a survey plan as part of your research and due diligence process. Only a survey plan prepared by a licensed land surveyor can show you exactly where your property boundaries are located.

Do I need a permit?

A permit is not usually required. However, certain conditions may apply if you are building a swimming pool enclosure.

What is the maximum height a fence can be?

Each city has its own fence by-law that you must obey. Be aware that corner lots have more restrictions.

Do I have to get my neighbor to approve my fence?

You and the neighbor should identify your property line to ensure the fence is going on your property. Use the survey of the property that you obtained when you purchased your house. If neither of these are possible, you will need to obtain a survey.

Can I put a fence on the property line?

Only if there is a written and signed agreement between neighbors.

Is my neighbor obligated to pay for half of my fence?

If you are building within your property line, the neighbor is not obligated.

What is the Line Fences Act?

The Line Fences Act is one of Ontario’s most historic pieces of legislation that provides a local method of arbitrating fencing disputes between neighbouring property owners.

The Act applies where one owner wants to construct, repair or maintain a fence on a property boundary line, but is unable to reach agreement with the other owner on the type of fence to be erected, the sharing of the costs of the fence, or both of these issues.

Can you build a fence in the winter?

You can build a fence any time of the year!

Are fences covered by insurance?

Often they are. Many home insurance policies have “Other Structures” coverage that will include things like trees falling on your fence or flood damage. It will often come down to what threats you are covered against in your home insurance policy, which can then be extended to your fence under “other structures” provisions.

Are fences expensive?

As with any home improvement projects, the prices can range depending on a number of variables. Whether or not the holes need to be dug by hand due to access issues is a key consideration. The type of material can also influence the overall price of the project.

The place to start is to give us a call or send us a message. We will give you the best price possible for the fence you need.

Are fence panels a standard size?

Here are some typical fence panel sizes.

Fence panels made from aluminum, steel, wood or vinyl typically have a height of 3 feet on the low end and 8 feet on the high end.

6 feet by 6 feet prefabricated panels are common, as are 6 feet by 8 feet.

Are fence posts pressure treated?

There are wooden fence posts available that are not pressure treated. Using pressure treated posts can extend the lifetime of the fence.

Are fences real property?

The property status of fences can exist in a tricky in-between when they are on the property boundary line of two neighboring properties. The Line Fences Act in Ontario has a standardized procedure to deal with any disputes arising from disagreements about fences.

Are fences tax deductible?

It depends on whether or not you operate a business from home. If you are self-employmed and work from home – even just part time – you may be able to write off a percentage of your landscaping costs correlating with the percentage of your house you use for your business. For example, if 10% of your home is used for your business, you might be able to write off 10% of your landscaping costs.

If you rent out a part of your home, you may also be able to write off a portion of your landscaping costs.

In 2009, a short lived tax credit called the HRTC credit allowed home owners in Canada to write off 15% of eligible home renovation costs, including new fencing. This credit is no longer available.

Before attempting to categorize your fence project as a tax deductible expense it is best to get a blessing from your accountant.

Do fence posts need concrete?

For many fence posts concrete is optional. Other options for post footers can include compacted dirt and crushed rock.

Do fences block noise?

Some fences can provide an effective noise barrier from low-grade noise pollution like traffic if they have enough mass. Contact us about some options for noise reduction using fencing.

Do fences keep coyotes out?

Yes, a properly installed fence should keep your family and pets safe from coyotes and other wild animals. Fences can be installed inside the ground to a depth that makes digging impossible.

Do fence posts need to be below frost line?

Yes, fences posts should be lodged below the frost line.

Do fences need planning permission?

The extent of planning permission can vary from one municipality to another. Usually a permit is not required. If the fence lies on a property boundary line between you and a neighbor, then you may have to set in motion a process governed by the Line Fences Act that ensures the interests of all parties are represented.

FREE ESTIMATE

Start your residential, commercial or farm fence project by requesting an estimate from us. Fill out the form on this page and a friendly expert team member will get back to you shortly. Feel free to provide any details or comments that will help us in the preparation of your estimate.

We have been family owned and operated in the fence installation business serving all of Ontario since the early 1990’s and specialize in all fencing requirements for agricultural, residential and commercial properties.